Times Past Press Release

Arizona Capitol Times Publishes Photo History of Arizona

PHOENIX – Arizona Capitol Times, the state’s premier weekly newspaper covering government and politics, announces immediate availability of its first book-length publication, Times Past: Reflections from Arizona History.

This 270-page, coffee-table book contains original essays and historic photos from the popular “Times Past” feature that has appeared in the newspaper for more than 25 years. Each of the 120 selections describes a fascinating episode in Arizona history, from early territorial days through statehood and into the 21st century.

“‘Times Past’ columns illuminate events in Arizona history that are not widely known, and that’s part of why this collection is so special,” said Barry Gartell, editor of the book. “Many of these stories are familiar only to serious history buffs, but they illustrate a lot about the spirit and character that help define Arizona even today,” he said.

Ginger Lamb, publisher of the Arizona Capitol Times, said the book represents a major milestone for the newspaper. “We have more than 1,300 ‘Times Past’ columns in our archives, and I am very pleased that we are now able to bring part of this incredible resource to a wider audience. The entire Capitol Times family is proud of our role in keeping these stories alive.”

Here’s a glimpse at a few memorable stories that can be found in the Times Past book:

The Governor’s Race – for the Train (originally published February 10, 1993) – Arizona’s first governor, the legendary George W.P. Hunt, was almost late for his own inauguration. The book tells how an attentive trainman in Globe helped avert what would surely have been a major political embarrassment.

Wild Hearts in Phoenix: Powderface Takes a Dive (originally published September 10, 1986) – Doc Carver’s famous diving horse act, celebrated in the popular 1991 movie Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken, made stops in Phoenix. This book contains an exclusive photo and a full recounting of the history of the act until Atlantic City closed it down in the 1970s.

The Martin/Courtney Feud (originally published August 19, 1994) – A baseball feud between New York Yankee second baseman Billy Martin and St. Louis Browns catcher Clint Courtney was so severe the two brawled nearly every time they met. The book explains how the feud began in Bisbee when they were both in the minor leagues.

Dillinger Arrested in Tucson (originally published March 31, 1995) – Not only was notorious bank robber John Dillinger captured in Tucson in 1934, three important members of his gang were apprehended as well. The book reprints the gang’s original mug shots and retells the entire story.

The “Times Past” feature was created in the late 1940s by Robert Creighton, owner and publisher of The Messenger, a predecessor to the Arizona Capitol Times. In 1985, Creighton’s son and daughter-in-law, Ned and Diana Creighton, who had taken over operation of the paper, revived the tradition. Diana recruited a team of regular contributors and expanded the subject area from Maricopa County to the entire state. “Times Past” quickly became one of the most popular features in the paper.

The book has been accepted as an Arizona Centennial 2012 Legacy Project by the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission. Additionally, several of the stories have been honored with Awards of Merit by state leaders and historians who selected their favorites from the collection.

This limited edition book sells for $49.95 (plus $4.50 S&H). It is available for purchase at the offices of Arizona Capitol Times, 1835 W. Adams in Phoenix, by phone (602) 258-7026 or on the Web at www.azcapitoltimes.com/products-page. Libraries may submit purchase orders via U.S. mail, fax (602.258-7636) or e-mail attachment to staff@azcapitolreports.com.

Arizona Capitol Times, founded in 1946, is a subsidiary of Arizona News Service, a division of The Dolan Company (NYSE:DM). It is a nonpartisan, weekly newspaper covering the Arizona Legislature, the state’s politicians, government agencies and elected leadership.